HARTSVILLE. S.C. (WPDE) — Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting local shops across the country, held immediately after the Black Friday rush.
Hartsville, a city of just over 7,000 residents in Darlington County, is known for its vibrant downtown area and numerous locally owned shops.
Several owners along East Carolina Avenue said the support makes a true difference. One of them is Gela Shumate, owner of The Rooster, a restaurant that’s been a local staple for 25 years. She says business is always steady, and this time of year is even busier.
“This time of the year we’re very busy, but we are a very fortunate restaurant and blessed because we are busy every day, and just about every Saturday it’s just normal to see a line out the door,” Shumate said.
Shumate added that they see at least 300 customers a week, sometimes more, and she’s grateful for everyone who comes through their doors.
“We do appreciate everybody who walks through our door, and we’re grateful, and we don’t take anybody for granted, and we do thank everybody for the 25 years that this business has been in business for patronizing us,” Shumate said.
Just down the road, you’ll find Peace of Heaven, a Christian gift shop owned by Fran Taggart and her husband. They’ve been in business for five years, and she says the holiday season is crucial.
“This is our busiest season, you know everybody is looking for Christmas gifts, and we certainly have lots of beautiful nativities and you know everything you need for making a beautiful set for Christmas,” Taggart said.
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The store offers a wide range of religious gifts, including nativity sets, books, hats, cups and jewelry. Taggart said Small Business Saturday is crucial for them as they are a newer shop downtown.
“This is a very supportive town,” Taggart said. “I mean, we have lots of people who they can certainly order something off of Amazon, but they chose to shop with us, and they really support all the businesses downtown her,e so we really appreciate it. It keeps us in business.”
From handmade goods to specialty items, you won’t find online, owners say Small Business Saturday is about more than sales. They say it’s about community, and the support that keeps their city thriving.
Last year, Hartsville reported a 96% occupancy rate in its downtown district, according to the city’s main street manager. Today, more than two dozen small businesses call downtown Hartsville home.
